Operation NPLB

In 2006, Operation NPLB, formerly known as No Person Left Behind, was founded as an independent charity that allows like-minded professional hunters, fisherman, and outdoor-minded people to ensure that disabled veterans always receive the best outdoor hunting and fishing opportunities. NPLB has always provided wounded warriors with services complimentary to those offered by OSC, and in March of 2011 NPLB became a permanent part of Operation Second Chance.

Professional guides Mark Hoke and Cody Kittleman originally started in 2004 by hosting handicap accessible (aka Handy-Capable) hunting outings for civilians. In 2006, staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Center learned of Mark and Cody's successful efforts through an article in the Washington Post. They reached out to the duo hoping they would be interested in taking some Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans out on a hunting outing. Needless to say, Cody and Mark were honored to be asked to support these heroes and they agreed without hesitation.

With the help of family and friends the two were able to put together a small number of quality hunting outings with a family atmosphere. What started out as two outings a year in 2006 soon turned into twenty outings in 2009. Cody and Mark knew they needed support from others to keep up with the demand for this program.

Today, Operation NPLB aids in the recovery and rehabilitation of injured service members from all eras who must endure the lifelong sacrifices made for our country. NPLB supports injured Soldiers, Sailors, Coasties, Airman, and Marines by reintroducing them to hunting, fishing and life outdoors. Volunteers offer their time and skills to aid in the emotional recovery of our veterans through outdoor activities with fellowship and the encouragement to overcome any disability.

Everyone involved in the NPLB Program is humbled by our troop's commitment, and they honor all disabled service men and women who have served in wars past and present. NPLB creates an environment that is conducive to healing by empowerment. By giving disabled veterans time away from their care facilities we enable them to concentrate on life beyond their injuries. We facilitate connections between injured veterans who share similar injuries and situations in a natural environment.

The NPLB program is about much more than showing disabled veterans they can still enjoy hunting and fishing. Giving our veterans an opportunity to share their wartime experience with those who have been there before enables veterans to promote healing within their own ranks just like taking care of a buddy on the battlefield. Operation Second Chance's Operation NPLB program empowers disabled veterans to break away from the perceived frailty of their injuries.

NPLB also helps veterans by working with sister organizations and through active engagement throughout the region. Since 2010 the NPLB program has helped start three other sister organizations across the Mid-Atlantic region that include The Napley Green Gun Club Waterfowl Hunt, WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) Hunters for Heroes, and Navhda (North America Versatile Hunting Dog Association) Operation On Point. The opportunity for more outdoor outings means that we can help more veterans.

Operation NPLB helps wounded warriors heal the emotional wounds in a way that many warriors understand and appreciate. Our biggest objective is to show our returning warriors that they are loved, appreciated, and honored. NPLB was founded by Americans that love this country for its founding values and its veterans for all they stand for. The sacrifices our veterans make will never be forgotten and OSC's Operation NPLB will continue to do all we can to give back to the men and women of our Armed Forces.

If you are a veteran interested in participating in Operation NPLB outing please contact us.

It is truly inspiring to see the impact Operation Second Chance is making in the lives of our wounded veterans and their families. We at Matan are honored to open our doors and our hearts to such a tremendous organization.

Mark Matan, Principal, Matan Companies

Operation Second Chance has served as a primary community partner of Comcast SportsNet for a number of years. The organization does tremendous work for wounded veterans and their families, truly making a difference at a level rarely experienced in the community.

Comcast SportsNet

I have the memory of first meeting Cindy permanently etched in my mind. She brought four wounded soldiers to a business dinner 7 or 8 years ago and each soldier stood up and told their story of the heart wrenching and horrific injuries sustained during the war.

We are proud to work with an organization who is not only shaping the lives of these wounded, injured, and ill veterans, but is also providing the local community with resources to be able to support the families as well.